Machine for emplacing expansion joints and dowel bars



E. MUNDT 2,134,641 M ACI-IINE FOR EMPLACING EXPANSION JOINTS AND DOWEL BARS Oct. 25, 1.938.

1934 4 sheets-sheet 1 Original Filed July 20,

Oct. 25, 1938 MUNDT 2,134,641

MACHINE FOR EMPLACING EXPANSION JOINTS AND DOWEL BARS Original Filed July 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. MUNDT MACHINE FOR EMPLACING EXPANSION JOINTS AND DOWEL BARS Original Filed July 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Uct.25,1938. E ND 2,33%

MACHINE FOR EMPLAGING EXPANSION JOINTS AND DOWEL BARS Original Filed July 20 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I J Subgrzzae i anism by which the accurate placement of the Patented Oct. 25, 1938 PATENT oFFicE MACHINE FOR EIMPLACING EXPANSION JOINTS AND DOWEL BARS Edward Mundt, Streator, Ill., assignor to Robb & Robb, Cleveland, Ohio Application July 20, 1934, Serial No. 736,246 Renewed August 26,1938

24 Claims.

The present invention has relation to construction of concrete roads or pavement. As is well known, it is customary in the building of concrete roads, to accommodate for the expansion and contraction of the concrete under varying temperature conditions by the installation, at spaced intervals in the length of the concrete pavement, of expansion joints Moreover, in order to maintain'the sections'of the pavement in proper relQ; lation at opposite sides of,v the expansion joint,

it is common to avail of a seriesof dowel bars by which to interlock or connect the sections together. The expansion joints are customarily located transversely of the road subgrade, and the dowelbars are disposed longitudinally thereof, or in the direction of the traffic flow.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a machine for facilitating the installation of the expansion joint and dowel bar members above referred to, It is an essential desideratum, for the proper engineering of concrete roads or pavements, that the expansion joint member which is usually pre molded of bituminous material shall belocated accurately at right angles 2 5 to the subgrade and center line of the pavement., For the same reason it is required that the dowel'bars be installed accurately parallel with such-subgrade and center line of the pavement. r

The machine of my invention provides mechexpansion joint members and dowel bars or members in the manner above referred to, may be ensured.

, In the carrying out of my invention I contemplate the employment of a portable machine mounted on wheels adapted to travel along the side forms located at'the opposite sides of the subgrade preliminarily to the depositing of the concrete between said forms for the pavement construction. My machine is equipped with instrumentalities whereby the main frame member thereof may be adjusted to assume an elevated position, andwhile so elevated will permit of quick and easy disposing of the expansion joint member and the dowel bars to be associated therewith in a complete assembly upon the machine ready for, installation. Suitable devices are employed to ensure that the assembly of the expansion. joint and dowel members is accurately arranged so that when these members are lowered'relatively to the subgra'de they will be properly positioned with the expansion joint at a right angle, to the line of the pavement to be constructed andwith the various dowel bars accurately spaced in proper parallel lines respecting said pavement structure. By means forming a part of the invention, when the as sembly of the expansion member and dowel bars has been made and the machine moved upon the road forms or rails aforesaid to the proper place at which the joint and bars are to be installed, these parts may be lowered into their definitely predetermined position relatively to the subgrade. The concrete may thereafter be emplaced at opposite sides of the joint member to hold the same with the dowel bars in proper positions embedded in the concrete. Thereafter, by'sp-ecial provisions forming a part of the invention, the instnlmentalities by which the machine itself is accurately located over the subgrade, and the instrumentalities by which the joint member and the dowel bars are supported in accurately predetermined positions relatively to the subgrade, may be released and the machine moved progressively to a place where, in the elevated position of its frame parts, a fresh expansion member and associated set of dowel bars may be disposed thereon and the operation carried on progressively in the manner above set forth.

By reason of the features of my machine above outlined, the emplacement of the expansion joints and/or dowel bars associated therewith, in respect to the pavement, is definitely coordinated with the sections of the pavement with -which these parts are to cooperate so that each joint will be correctly placed and will function properly from an engineering standpoint. Furthermore, the expansion joint and dowel bar installations are adapted to be performed quickly so that the paving operation is not likely to be delayed in any way during the progressive depositing of the concrete upon the road, all of which is of material importance from a practi cal viewpoint in the construction of roads of the type referred to.

As compared with the common method of expansion joint and dowel bar installation, requiring the employment of iron stakes driven into the subgrade, and the utilization of chairs or special supports for holding the dowel bars in proper positions, my machine method of handling these installations affords a considerable saving of material such as the stakes or pins and chairs, as well as affording a material saving in labor that is incident to the actual positioning of the said stakes and chairs in accurate locations for the purpose in view.

A complete understanding of the invention and the merits thereof under practical conditions of use in the building of concrete pavement or roads will be had by reference to the following detailed description, and to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a machine or apparatus embodying the essential features of my invention.

Figrue 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of a concrete road illustrating the expansion joint member and a dowel bar as when installed by the apparatus.

Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of one of the end supports for the main frame and a portion of the main frame extending therefrom showing more clearly certain details.

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of the end support, dotted lines illustrating the elevated position of the frame affected by the raising action of the carrier members for the wheels.

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view through one of the end supports.

Figure '7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about on the line 1-1 of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about on the line 88 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the main frame, illustrating more fully the disposition of the arms or guides for positioning the dowel bars and the actuating means for the supporting members provided to hold the dowel bars in proper position upon the machine.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about on the line |0ID of Figure 9, looking in the direction of the arrows, and bringing out the detailed construction of the same general parts.

Figure 11 is a. fragmentary View in elevation showing more clearly the mounting of the supporting members for the dowel bars and actuating means therefor.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view showing in elevation the rail gripping or anchoring member and the mounting means for the levers for operating the dowel bar supporting members.

Figure 13 is a detail view in section taken about on the line l3l3 of Figure 10.

Figure 14 is a detail View of the ratchet mechanism for operating the carrier members on the end supports.

Specifically describing the machine of this invention, the same may be said to comprise a main frame A fabricated by attachment together of an angle bar I and a channel 2 to provide a long frame structure adapted to span the subgrade on which a concrete road is to be laid. The frame A is mounted at its opposite ends upon end supports generally denoted B, these end supports being clearly shown in Figures 4 to 6 inclusive. The end supports comprise a frame member 3 disposed transversely of the main frame A and rigidly attached thereto by any suitable fastening means. Included as parts of the end supports B are carrier members 4 which comprise spaced plates or side parts, seen best in Figure 6. One of the plates or side parts of each carrier member t is extended at one end to provide a toothed sector 5, the opposite end of said carrier member having mounted thereon a wheel 6 on the axis member 7. The wheels 6 of the carrier members 4 are disposed between the spaced side parts thereof, and said carrier members also receive between the said sideparts the opposite ends of the transverse frame member 3, being pivotally attached at 8 to said ends of the member 3. A boss or sleeve-like member 9 is rigidly secured to each end of the frame member 3 and provides an extended bearing thereon for the pivot 8, as well as forming a spacing bearing part between the sides of the carrier members 4. Mounted in suitable bearings I!) attached in any substantial manner to the upper portions of the ends of each frame member is a horizontal actuating shaft H equipped near its ends and adjacent to the bearings l0 with worm gears l2 suitably keyed to the shaft and engaging with the teeth of the worm sectors 5 which virtually constitute worm gears.

The carrier members 4 are designed for pivotal movement to shift the same from the approximately horizontal positions of Figure 5 to the approximately vertical positions illustrated in dotted lines in the same figure, the movement of said carrier members being effected by rotation of the shaft l I by any suitable means. The means illustrated is preferably of the manually actuated type and consists of a lever l3 for each shaft The lower portion of said lever comprises spaced sides I30. between which is disposed a spring pressed double-acting ratchet dog M. The ratchet dog l4 includes spaced ratchet members Ma capable of engaging a toothed ratchet wheel l5 keyed to the shaft H at the central portion thereof and disposed between the side members i 3a of the lever l3. The upper portion of the ratchet dog M is provided with flats H5 at a slight angle to each other, and these flats are adapted to be engaged by the lateral arm I! of a spring 18 attached to the inner face of one of the side members |3a of the lever l3. The spring pressure of the member I! is adapted to hold the ratchet dog M in either of its reversed operating positions as shown clearly by full and dotted lines in Figure 14. I

It is evident from the foregoing that by manually grasping the upper end of the lever IS the latter may be moved back and forth in a direction parallel with the main frame A and thus the shaft Il may be rotated in order to turn the screws or worms l2 and thus actuate the carrier members 4 to move the same from their approximately horizontal positions to their vertical positions, and vice versa, the shifting of said members to their vertical positions elevating the frame at the end thereof adjacent to which the particular lever I3 is located.

The mechanism asshown in Figures 4 to 6 inclusive is provided in duplicate, 'one mechanism for each end of the main frame A so that the frame A may be bodily elevated and lowered by manual operation of the levers l3 by workmen 10- cated at opposite ends of said main frame and at opposite sides of the subgrade over which the frame is supported.

It is to be understood that the members 4 function both as elevating and lowering means for the main frame A, and they also function by reason of the provision of their wheels 6 as traveling supports, whereby the whole machine of the invention may be moved longitudinally of the side or road forms l9, which are clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Now it is an objective of the invention to pro vide means intermediate the frame of the machine and the road forms l9 whereby to anchor the machine firmly positioned against movement on the road forms when the machine has been adjusted to the position in which the expansion member and dowel bars are properly and accurately positioned over the road subgrade ready to be embedded in the concrete to be laid thereon. For this purpose mechanism shown best in Figurese, 5 and 7 is employed. Such mechanism includes a simple device in the form of a road form engaging member 23, the lower end of which is hook-shapedas at 2! to extend around and en-z gage with the top flange of the road form l9. The member. 2|! is vertically movable in a bracket 22 at the uppermost portion of I which is a horizontal cam 23-of spirally rising formation as seen best in Figure 5.

Fastened to, the upper end of the member 20 by a nut or any suitable means! is a camming lever 25, the lower surface of which rides in contactwith the upper surface of the cam 23. The

lever 25 may be manually grasped, and is rotatgrade when the machine is ready for the emplacement of the expansion member and dowel bar assembly to be embedded in the concrete deposited on the subgrade.

The means for supporting the expansion member, designated 26, upon the main frame A of the machine, comprises a receiving or a clamping member which includes a relatively deep vertical plate 2'! and a relatively shallow, similar plate 28 spaced therefrom, the two plates 21 and 28 being adapted to snugly receive and slightly clamp theupper end portion of the expansion member 26 as seen best 'in Figure 10 of the drawings. The expansion members are out to proper length to conform with the width of the pavementto be laid upon the sub'grade previous to inserting the expansion members into the holding means therefor comprising the parts 21 and 28, and further- .more the said expansion members are formed with holes therethrough at the properpoints vertically thereof through which holes the dowel bars. to be assembled with the expansion member upon the frame A may pass. v

I utilize dowel bar supporting means in my machine as means not only for carrying the dowel bars in proper assembled relation to the expansion member, but I employ these dowel bars largely as the supporting means for holding the expansion member in position in the holding devices 27-48 previously described. a

Reference is now made to Figures 9 to 11 inclusive for a full understanding of the method of assembling and supporting the dowel bars upon the main frame A. Located at intervals in the length of the main frame A are a series of depending guide members 29, the upper ends of which are "laterally extended and attached to the angle and channel plates land 2, respectively,

that constitute thefabricated frame A. The lowerends of the guide members 29 as seen in Figure 11 are formed with seats 30 to receive the horizontally disposed dowel bars 3!, these seats being open at one side of the members29. Means for holding the dowel bars 3| in the seats '30 of the guidemembers 29 are provided, these means comprising a dowel bar supporting member and actuating means therefor, one provided for each of the guide members 29. The dowel bar supporting member is designated 32am consists of a vertical shaft carried in bearings in suitable brackets 33 attached to the vertical'portions of the guide members 29. The lower ends of the shafts or dowel supporting members 32 are formed with lateral supporting arms 34, and a spring 35 encircles each member 32 and has one end dead-ended on the guide member 29 adjacent thereto, the other end of the spring being attached to the shaft and normally tending to hold the arm 34 of each member 32 engaged beneath a dowel bar received in the seat 31.

At its upper end each of the dowel bar supporting members or shafts 32 is equipped with an actuating arm 36 having a down-bent extremity engaging one side of a link 3! forming a part of a trip device including a second link 38 pivoted to the link 31 and also pivoted to a clamp member 39 which is clamped about an operating rod 40, the operating rod 40 sliding lengthwise of the main frame A in guides or bearing members ll laterally offsetting from said main frame. Now it is to be understood that each of the guide members 29 is equipped with a dowel bar supporting member 32 and the actuating parts therefor which have just been described. Moreover, it will be seenfrom the drawings that I provide an operating rod 40 for, the seat of the dowel bar supporting members 32 located at the front of the frame A, and a second operating rod '40 for the dowel supporting memberslocated at the rear of the frame A. 'To operatethe rodsml I provide an actuating lever 42 at oneyend'of each rod, see Figure 8, said lever being pivoted at 33 and being adapted to be held in either its open or closed position, as shown in Figure '7, by means of a latch adapted to engage in the notches M of an ordinary locking sector 45 of known type construction. By adjustment of thelever 42 in one direction, therefore, it will actuate its rod 49 to open the seats 30 by turning the dowel bar may be provided one for each rod 49 and located near one of the end supports of the machine as illustrated, or these levers may be duplicated at the opposite end of the machine if so desired.

Operation of machine The foregoing'sets'forth the general construction and arrangement of the parts of my machine, and the operation thereof is comparatively simple, as will now be set'forth.

Since the machine is susceptible of travel along the road forms at opposite sides of the sub-grade, it may be disposed in a convenient position. out of the way of the paving operation, with the main frame elevated by adjustment of the end supports as shown in dotted lines in Figure 5, this elevation of course being accomplished by actuation of the two levers I3 at oppcsite ends of the machine. With the main frame A elevated as stated, the bituminous or other type of expan-' sion member of course beingcut of a length corresponding exactly with the cross section of the pavement to be laid. Thereuponthe dowel bars 3| will be inserted through the holes provided in the expansion member 26 and positioned in the seats of the guide members 29 in the manner shown in Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, after which the levers 42 will be actuated to move the operating rods 43 and closing of the seats 30 by the arms 34 of the dowel bar supporting members 32.

The expansion member and the various dowel bars properly disposed in relation. to each other as an assemblage are now supported on the main frame A of the machine largely by means of the arms 34 of the members 32 and the machine is now ready to be moved along the road rails to the positon at which'the expansion member and dowel bar assembly is to be emplaced above the subgrade ready to be embedded in the concrete.

The machine is now caused to be moved to .the proper position on the subgrade for the proper and accurate positioning of the expansion member and the dowel bar assembly, and then by actuation of the levers l3 again the said assembly is lowered by the shifting of the carrier members 4 to their horizontal positions. To prevent any improper movements of the machine after it is lowered in the manner stated, the machine is anchored to the road rails or forms by means of the lever 25, cam 23, and hook 2! devices previously described.

The concrete is then placed in position against the exposed side of the expansion member to hold it firmly in place, and when the concrete has been disposed on both sides thereof to the elevation of the finished pavement, the expansion member with the dowel bars will be properly embedded in the exact and accurate positions required for these parts in reference to be pavement. The machine is now ready to be moved to another convenient position on the road forms by the application thereto of another fresh assembly of expansion member and dowel bar parts. In order to do this the dowel bars 3! are released by the actuation of the levers 42 which move the rods 40 and carry the clamping members 39 lengthwise of the main frame A, the arms 36 traveling in the direction of withdrawing movement of the links 31 and thus permitting the dowel bar supporting members 34 to open the seats 30. The anchorage means comprising the road form engaging hooks 2! may now be released and after this is done the levers I 3 will be operated to elevate the frame A and cause the expansion member and dowel bar holding means to be elevated ready to receive the fresh assembly of such parts for the next emplacement operation.

It may be noted that the main frame and end supporting means of my machine constitute a traveling support adapted to travel on road rails or the like over a road subgrade. Moreover, it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the use of my machine in conjunction with any particular type of expansion joint member because the holding means may be adapted to different constructions or types of expansion joints, of which there are a number of types in use today. Nor do I wish it to be limited to the particular proportions of the parts as illustrated in the drawings, be-- cause these may be varied, dependent upon the particular type of expansion joint being handled and other considerations as for instance the disposition of dowel bars and the required arrangement of such dowel bars to the joint member.

While I have described and illustrated my machine as it is used in conjunction with installation of expansion joints of concrete and like pavements particularly, it is notable that the principles of construction employed by me are equally useful when my machine is adopted for the-purpose of handling and installing contraction joints. Contraction joints are very similar to expansion joints, and dowel bars are likewise used therewith in many instances. My joint holding devices may be constructed to hold and install contraction joints just as they are now illustrated as suitable for the installation of expansion joints. I therefore desire that my specification and claims be read in the light of the utility of my machine for joint means generally whether of the expansion or contraction type.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

I. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a main frame adapted to travel above a road subgrade relative to which expansion joint members and/or dowel bars are to be positioned, end frames for the main frame transverse thereto, raising and lowering devices on the end frames for elevating and lowering the main frame, and comprising wheels for facilitating the travel of the machine over the subgrade, anchorage devices carried by the end frames for connecting the machine positively to road forms upon which it may be supported, manual means for actuating said anchorage devices to engage and release the same from the road forms, holding means on the main frame to be raised and lowered therewith cooperative with an expansion joint member, and dowel bar supporting means carried by said main frame, including dowel bar engaging and releasing devices, the last mentioned devices being movable to hold the dowel bars in proper position for emplacement with the expansion member and releasing said dowel bars after such emplacement.

2. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a main frame, supporting means therefor enabling movement of said frame over a road subgrade, expansion joint holding members mounted on said main frame, devices for supporting dowel bars on said main frame, mechanism whereby the said holding means and dowel bar supporting means may be raised and lowered, said dowel bar supporting means including devices for supporting engagement with the dowel bars and movable to release the latter.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a main frame, supporting means therefor enabling movement of said frame over a road subgrade, expansion joint holding members mounted on said main frame, devices for supporting dowel bars on said main frame, mechanism whereby the said holding means and dowel bar supporting means may be raised and lowered, said dowel bar supporting means including devices for supporting engagement with the dowel bars and movable to release the latter, and operating devicesfor causing engagement and release action of the devices for engaging and releasing the dowel bars.

4. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a main frame, expansion joint member holding means mounted on said frame,

guide members carriedby the mainframe cooperative to support dowel bars in proper relation thereto and to an expansion .joint member carried by the holding means therefor, dowel bar engagingand releasing devices cooperative to hold dowelbars engaged with the guide members aforesaid, andoperating means for said engaging and release devices.

5. In a machine of the class described, in

combination, a mainframe, expansion joint to hold dowel bars engaged with the guide members af0resaid,operating means for said engaging and release devices, traveling supports for the mainframeenabling its movement along a subgrade while disposed over the same, and instrumentalities whereby the main frame: may be jcaused to be elevated and lowered relatively to the subgrade of the road over which it is disposed. a 6. Ina machine of the class described, in combination, a frame adapted to be moved over a road subgrade on which concrete is to be laid, holding means on said frame for holding an expansion joint member, other supporting means on said frame for supporting in accurate relation to the expansion joint member a series of dowel bars, including engaging and releasing devices for said bars, and mechanism whereby the frame and the said holding and supporting parts may be elevated and lowered.

'7. In la machine of the class described,.in combination, a frame adapted tobe disposed above a road subgrade and having" means enablingit to travel lengthwise of such subgrade,

holding means on the frame for an expansion joint member, supporting means for dowel bars carried by said frame and including guide members having seats for the dowel bars, and engaging members forholding the dowel bars in said seats, together with means whereby the frame and its supported parts may be caused to 'move' upwardly and downwardly relatively to the road subgrade, and means for operating said dowel bar engaging devices to cause same to be en'- gaged and disengaged in reference to the dowel bars cooperating with the seats of-the guide members. a

'8. A portable machine for emplacing expansion'joint members anddowel bars in concrete road construction," comprising a main frame,

- members to hold dowel bars seated thereon in fixed and predetermined relation to an expansion joint member engaged by the holding means therefor. i V

9. A portable machine for emplacing expansion joint members and dowel bars in concrete road construction, comprising a main frame, means for raising and lowering themain frame,

expansion joint member holding means on the main frame, guide members disposed at intervals alongthe main frame at opposite sides of the expansion joint holding means, dowel bar engaging devices cooperating with said guide members to, hold dowel bars seated thereon in fixed and predetermined relation toan expansion joint member engaged by the holding means therefor, said engaging devices comprising vertical shaft parts rotatable onthe guide members, and movable operating rods at opposite sides of the expansion joint member holding means, each of said operating rods being connected with a'series of the said shafts for actuating the same to control adjustment thereof for engagement with dowel bars or for releasing the latter from the guidingmembers. w

10. In combination, a main frame adapted to span a road subgrade, traveling means enabling the movement of said frame over the road subgrade, holding means for, an expansion joint member disposed longitudinally of said main frame, a plurality of guide members on the 'main frame adjacent to said expansion joint holding means for positioning of dowel bars relatively to the main frame and an expansion joint member carried by said holdingmeans, dowel bar engaging and releasing devices associated with said guide members, and means accessible from the end of the main frame for simultaneously operating the dowel bar-engaging and releasing devicesy I m V ll. In combination, a main frame adapted to span a road subgrade, traveling means enabling the movement of said frame over the road subgrade, holding means for an expansion joint member disposed longitudinally of said main frame, a plurality of guide members on the main frame adjacent to said expansion joint holding means for positioning of dowel bars relatively to the main frame and an expansion joint member carried by said holding means, dowel bar engaging and releasing devices associated with said guide members, means accessible from the end of the main frame for'simultaneously operating the dowel bar engaging and releasing devices, and means whereby the main frame may be raisedand lowered, and mechanism for actuating the last mentioned means.

12. In amachine of the class described, in comsubgrade and to; be; moved thereover, carrier members at the end of said frame comprising wheels adapted to travel on the road forms, actuating 'means for the carrier members for shifting their positions relatively to the main frame to raise and lower the latter, and expansion joint member holding meanson the main frame, said actuating means comprising manually operable worm devices and the carrier members having toothed sectors to cooperate with said worm devices, whereby; the carrier, members may be shifted from approximately horizontal positions 'to approximately vertical positions to elevate the said frame.

13. In a machine for installing expansion joints in pavement structures, in combination, a mobile structure adapted to span a road subgrade, means on said structure for supporting an expansion joint in the relation to the subgrade Whichthe expansion joint assumes in the final pavement structure, and means for elevating and-lowering the expansion joint supporting means.

14. In a machine for installing expansion joints in pavement structures, in combination, a frame adapted to span a road subgrade, wheeled supports for said frame enabling travel of the same over the subgrade, means on said frame for supporting an expansion joint in the relation to the subgrade which the expansion joint assumes in the final pavement structure, and means for bodily elevating and lowering said frame and expansion joint supporting means.

15. In a machine for installing expansion joints in pavement structures, in combination, a frame adapted to span a road subgrade, adjustable means on said. frame for supporting an expansion joint, and manipulatable instrumentalities on said frame for adjusting said supporting means to a position enabling the expansion joint to be placed in the machine, and for moving the expansion joint while supported by the supporting means, into a predetermined relation to the subgrade corresponding accurately to the position which the expansion joint assumes in the final pavement structure.

16. In a machine for installing expansion joints in pavement structures, in combination, a frame adapted to span a road subgrade, adjustable means on said frame for supporting an expansion joint, and manipulatable instrumentalities on said frame for adjusting said supporting means to a position enabling the expansion joint to be placed in the machine, and for moving the expansion joint while supported by the supporting means, into a predetermined relation to the subgrade corresponding accurately to the position which the expansion joint assumes in the final pavement structure, said instrumentalities including mechanism for elevating and lowering the frame relatively to the subgrade.

17. In a machine for installing expansion joints in pavement structures, in combination, a frame adapted to span a road subgrade, adjustable means on said frame for supporting an expansion joint, and manipulatable instrumentalities on said frame for adjusting said supporting means to a position enabling the expansion joint to be placed in the machine, and for moving the expansion joint while supported by the supporting means, into a predetermined relation to the subgrade corresponding accurately to the position which the expansion joint assumes in the final pavement structure, said instrumentalities including mechanism for independently elevating and lowering the opposite ends of the frame relatively to the subgrade.

18. Apparatus for positioning reinforcing bars in concrete paving joints, including a pair of spaced members in fixed relationship and disposed below the top level of the paving, and slidable means adjacent each of said spaced mem bers for retaining said bars in fixed relationship during the pouring of the concrete.

19. Apparatus for positioning dowels in concrete expansion joints during the pouring of the concrete including a supporting member disposed on either side of said joint, said members being arranged to be removably positioned below the top level of the concrete, and slidable means disposed beneath each of said supporting members for retaining said dowels in fixed relationship during the pouring of the concrete.

20. Supporting fabrication for reinforcing steel in paving joints comprising parallel members opposing said joint each having a plurality of independently mounted rod retaining elements capable of collective sliding movement for releasing said rods simultaneouslyto effect removal of said supporting fabrication.

21. Supporting fabrication for tie rods and dowels in concrete paving joints including relatively parallel members arranged to be disposed below the level of the forms between which said concrete is placed, each member having rod retaining hooks mounted for independent and collective movement whereby to efiect simultaneous release of said rods preparatory to removing said fabrication subsequent to the placing of said concrete.

22. Apparatus for positioning tie rods, dowels and other joint reinforcing in concrete paving including members spaced apart and disposed operatively below the level of the forms receiving said concrete, independently and collectively movable means for receiving and holding the ends of said rods in predetermined spaced relationship relatively and with respect to the concrete, and means for anchoring said apparatus against displacement during the pouring of said concrete.

23. Apparatus for positioning and holding reinforcing rods in making joints in concrete paving including parallel members having means for receiving the ends of said rods for holding the latter relatively parallel and on a horizontal plane at right angles to said members and means for releasing said rods simultaneously for removing said apparatus subsequent to the pouring of said concrete.

24. Expansion joint installing apparatus, comprising a portable frame including parallel side members, means on said frame for supporting an expansion joint from said side members and parallel thereto, support bars carried by the side members of the portable frame, guides on the said support bars, movable latches carried by the support bars and operating in said guides, the support bars being provided with means to receive end portions of dowel rods, and operating means for the said latches to cause them to retain the dowel rods in the support bar receiving means when disposed therein.

EDWARD MUNDT. 

